Norway, the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom pledge US$7.97 million to UNDP’s new Funding Windows

Nov 3, 2016

New York — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) received $7.67 million from the governments of Norway ($3.15 million), the Republic of Korea ($3 million), and the United Kingdom ($1.52 million) for the new thematic funding window which will support UNDP’s work in governance. The United Kingdom also provided $0.3 million to UNDP's new funding window for emergency response to crisis and recovery.

Contributions to the governance funding window will help countries — especially fragile states — build inclusive and effective democratic institutions and processes. UNDP’s work through this funding window will also help countries prevent or manage conflicts, both essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peaceful, just and inclusive societies, which provides the enabling governance environment for the achievement of the entire 2030 Agenda.

In 2015, UNDP, in collaboration with other UN agencies, helped the Constitutional Reform Committee in Grenada strengthen Bill of Rights provisions on non-discrimination and gender equality. Croatia enacted the Law on the Rights of Victims of Sexual Violence in the Homeland War, drafted with UNDP support, which authorizes financial reparations for the survivors of wartime sexual violence. In Guatemala, UNDP assisted in voter education, public outreach and with ICT expertise, resulting in stronger data security and facilitating, during its 2015 elections, voter turn-out that exceeded expectations.

UNDP’s four funding windows, focus on governance for peaceful and inclusive societies; sustainable development and poverty eradication; climate change and disaster risk reduction; and emergency development response to crisis and recovery. Together, the thematic funds will help create environments that are conducive to development, simultaneously helping to eradicate poverty and significantly reduce inequalities and exclusions.

As three of UNDP's top donors, Norway, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom also contribute to UNDP's regular resources, enabling UNDP to support the poorest countries and respond most promptly to emergencies. Thematic funds, which allow UNDP and its partners to channel resources to support activities on a particular theme, provide the second-most flexibility. Through thematic fund contributions, partners get the benefit of pooled funding, including transaction cost savings, and management and reporting efficiencies, while yielding more substantial results.

2016 is a pivotal year for international development as UN Member States work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed on by world leaders last year. As the lead UN development agency, UNDP is uniquely placed to help implement the SDGs through its work in some 170 countries and territories. With 50 years of experience in sustainable development, UNDP remains the partner of choice in helping countries end poverty, protect the planet and improve the quality of life for everyone.